Information on the Netherland Dwarf Rabbit

Characteristics

• The Netherland dwarf is the smallest breed of rabbit. To qualify for showing, a mature Netherland dwarf may weigh no more than 2½ pounds. This breed is known for its round body, broad head, short ears and large bold eyes. Their fur is short, thick and recognized in more than 30 variations.

Breeding

• Netherland dwarfs have small litters, usually only two to three per litter. If you want to breed them, keep in mind that you will not have as many to sell as you would if you were raising most other breeds. Before you begin breeding your Netherland dwarfs be sure that all your does (female rabbits) are in good health. Your rabbit should be at least 4½ months old before their first breeding. If you have several does and bucks---male rabbits---to choose for breeding, chose the two rabbits that have the greatest potential for producing good-quality babies.

Feed Pellets

• Providing a healthy, balanced diet is key to successfully raising Netherland dwarf rabbits. Feeding commercial rabbit pellets is the best and easiest way to provide proper nutrition for rabbits. Commercial feeds are available in several types, each intended to meet the needs of a rabbit at a different stage in its life. The ingredient that typically varies the most among the types of feed is the protein content. Mature Netherland dwarf rabbits require a feed that contains 15 to 16 percent protein, whereas an active breeding doe usually needs a feed that provides 17 to 18 percent protein. Salt is also important to a balanced feed. Most commercial feed pellets contain the proper amount of salt for your Netherland dwarf. Additionally, mature rabbits need a feed that contains 2 to 3.5 percent fat and 20 to 27 percent fiber. For pregnant does or does with litters the amounts change slightly---3 to 5.5 percent fat and 15 to 20 percent fiber are recommended. Typically, for a small breed such as the Netherland dwarf rabbit, 3 oz. of pellets for a doe is sufficient. This amount increases for a doe that is nursing a litter of two to three; 8 oz. of pellets is recommended in this case.

Forage

• Netherland dwarfs enjoy good-quality hay, and it adds extra fiber to their diet. Always check the hay for mold and dust before feeding it to your rabbits. Placing the hay on top of a wire cage and allowing the rabbit to reach up and eat it is one way to feed hay. Another choice would be to add a hay feeder to the cage. Do not place hay on the floor of the cage, since it will quickly become contaminated with droppings and urine.

Health

• Four major factors contribute to your rabbit's health: housing, environment, observation and nutrition. Hutches should offer protection from extremes in temperature, from wind and from rain and snow. Hutches should be cleaned often to prevent disease-causing germs from flourishing. Prevent situations that stress or upset your rabbit such as exposure to load noises, encounters with wild or frightening animals and exposure to summertime heat.

  One of the most important things you can do each day for your rabbit is to observe its behavior. Through observation, you will learn what is normal for your rabbit, and you will be better prepared to identify any problems. The sooner a problem is spotted, the better your chances of solving it before it becomes too serious.